South Dakota Secretary of State Business Search
Free access to South Dakota's official Secretary of State business entity database (South Dakota Secretary of State Business Services (sosenterprise.sd.gov)). Search corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and verify business entities registered in South Dakota. Complete step-by-step guide and FAQ included.
South Dakota Business Database
Direct link to South Dakota Secretary of State Business Services - Free South Dakota business search
How to Search South Dakota Business Entities
Step 1: Access the Official South Dakota SOS Business Services Portal
Navigate to the official South Dakota Secretary of State business entity search portal at sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Business/FilingSearch.aspx. You can also access it through sdsos.gov/business-services/default.aspx or sosenterprise.sd.gov/businessservices/. These are the free, government-operated databases for all South Dakota business entities including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
Select how you want to search: by business name (most common), entity number, or use the Business Information Search for detailed information. South Dakota offers multiple search tools: FilingSearch for business entities, FictitiousSearch for fictitious names, and Business Name Availability search. You can search for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in South Dakota.
Step 3: Enter Search Criteria
Type the business name in the search field. Try variations: with and without business suffixes (LLC, Inc, Corp, L.L.C.), partial names if exact match doesn't work, and check for common abbreviations. South Dakota's search is case-insensitive and supports partial name matching. For name availability checks, use the Business Name Availability search (exact name only), or use the Business Information Search to check variations of a name.
Step 4: Review Search Results
Browse the results list to find your business. Each result shows the business name, entity type, status, filing date, and other key information. South Dakota's database typically shows multiple results if there are similar business names, so review carefully to find the correct entity. The Business Information Search provides detailed information on existing businesses registered in South Dakota.
Step 5: View Detailed Entity Information
The detailed view provides comprehensive information including business name, entity number, entity type, status, registered agent name and address, principal office address, filing date, expiration date, filing history, and access to official records. All information filed with the Secretary of State's office is public record and can be found on the business entity's detail page. Verify all information matches what you expect for the business you're researching.
Step 6: Verify Business Status and Check Fictitious Names
Check that the business status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing'. If it shows 'Inactive', 'Dissolved', 'Merged', 'Withdrawn', or 'Revoked', the business may not be in good standing with the state. Active status indicates the business is current with all required filings and annual reports. South Dakota requires annual reports to maintain active status. You can also use the FictitiousSearch to check for fictitious names (DBA - Doing Business As) associated with the business.
Official South Dakota Business Database
The South Dakota Secretary of State maintains the official business entity database through <strong className="text-white">South Dakota Secretary of State Business Services (sosenterprise.sd.gov)</strong>. This free government database contains information about all business entities registered in South Dakota.
What's Included in the Database:
- • Corporations: C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit corporations, Professional corporations
- • LLCs: Limited Liability Companies (domestic and foreign), Professional LLCs
- • Partnerships: Limited partnerships, Limited liability partnerships
- • Foreign Entities: Out-of-state businesses registered to do business in South Dakota
- • Professional Entities: Professional corporations and professional LLCs
- • Business Trusts: Statutory trusts and other business structures
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a business in South Dakota?
To search for a South Dakota business, visit the official South Dakota Secretary of State business entity search portal at sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Business/FilingSearch.aspx. You can also access it through sdsos.gov/business-services/default.aspx or sosenterprise.sd.gov/businessservices/. You can search by business name, entity number, or use the Business Information Search for detailed information. The database includes corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in South Dakota.
What is the official South Dakota Secretary of State business search website?
The official South Dakota Secretary of State business entity search portal is available at sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Business/FilingSearch.aspx. You can also access it through sdsos.gov/business-services/default.aspx or sosenterprise.sd.gov/businessservices/. This is the free, government-operated database where you can search for all business entities registered in South Dakota, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
What information can I find in the South Dakota SOS business database?
The South Dakota SOS database provides business name, entity number, entity type, status, registered agent name and address, principal office address, filing date, expiration date, filing history, and access to official records. All information filed with the Secretary of State's office is public record and can be found on the business entity's detail page. You can also search for fictitious names (DBA) using the FictitiousSearch tool.
Is the South Dakota business search free?
Yes, the South Dakota Secretary of State business entity search is completely free. The official search portal at sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Business/FilingSearch.aspx provides free access to search and view business entity information. Some third-party sites may charge fees, but the official state database is free to use.
How do I verify a South Dakota business is legitimate?
To verify a South Dakota business, search the Business Services portal for the business name, check that the status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing', verify the registered agent and address match what you expect, review the entity number and filing date, check the filing history, use the FictitiousSearch to check for associated fictitious names, and cross-reference with business licenses if applicable. Always use the official South Dakota Secretary of State database for verification.
Can I search South Dakota businesses by entity number?
Yes, the South Dakota SOS database allows you to search by entity number, which is the unique identifier assigned by the South Dakota Secretary of State to each business entity. You can also search by business name or use the Business Information Search. The entity number is useful for finding specific businesses when you have the exact number.
What types of business entities are registered in South Dakota?
South Dakota registers various business entity types including corporations (C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit), Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, professional entities, and foreign entities registered to do business in South Dakota. All of these can be searched through the official database at sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Business/FilingSearch.aspx.
How do I check if a business name is available in South Dakota?
To check if a business name is available in South Dakota, use the Business Name Availability search tool at sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Business/NameAvailability.aspx (exact name search only) or use the Business Information Search to check variations of a name. If no results appear, the name may be available. However, you should also check for similar names and consult with the South Dakota Secretary of State for official name availability confirmation before filing. South Dakota requires that business names be distinguishable from existing entities.
What is the FictitiousSearch in South Dakota?
The FictitiousSearch (available at sosenterprise.sd.gov/businessservices/Business/FictitiousSearch.aspx) allows you to search for fictitious names (DBA - Doing Business As) registered in South Dakota. This is useful for finding businesses that operate under names different from their legal entity name. All businesses operating under a fictitious name must register it with the Secretary of State.
What is an entity number in South Dakota?
An entity number is the unique identifier assigned by the South Dakota Secretary of State to each business entity registered in the state. This number is used for official filings, searches, and record-keeping. You can search for businesses using their entity number in the Business Services portal.
How often do South Dakota businesses need to file annual reports?
South Dakota requires most business entities to file annual reports to maintain active status. The filing requirements and deadlines vary by entity type. Corporations and LLCs typically must file annual reports with the South Dakota Secretary of State. Check the entity's detailed information in the database to see filing history and status. Late filings may result in penalties or administrative dissolution.
What is the difference between FilingSearch and Business Information Search in South Dakota?
FilingSearch (sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Business/FilingSearch.aspx) allows you to search for business entities by name or entity number. Business Information Search provides more detailed information on existing businesses registered in South Dakota, including all public record information filed with the Secretary of State's office. Both tools are free and provide access to South Dakota business entity information.
About South Dakota Secretary of State Business Search
What is the South Dakota SOS Business Search?
The South Dakota Secretary of State business search is the official government database that contains information about all business entities registered in South Dakota. This includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other business structures operating in SD.
When you search "secretary of state sd business search," you're looking for this official database to verify business registrations, check entity status, and conduct due diligence on South Dakota businesses.
What Information Can You Find?
- •Business entity name and type (Corporation, LLC, etc.)
- •Registration date and current status
- •Registered agent information
- •Principal office address
- •Officers and directors (for corporations)
- •Annual report filing status
Why Use the Official South Dakota SOS Database?
The official South Dakota Secretary of State database (South Dakota Secretary of State Business Services (sosenterprise.sd.gov)) is the most reliable source for business entity information. It's free, updated in real-time, and provides authoritative data directly from the state government. Unlike third-party services that may charge fees or have outdated information, the official database ensures you're getting accurate, current business entity data for South Dakota. Always verify business entities through the official SD SOS database before entering into business relationships or financial transactions.
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